Friday, 31 May 2013

WHISKY STRAMASH ~ SURGEONS’ HALL ~ EDINBURGH ~ MAY 2013

Following on from its successful, highly acclaimed debut
in 2012, The Whisky Stramash
returned again to Edinburgh’s historic Surgeons’ Hall on May 25th
& 26th.

Scott Martin who co-founded the event along with Darroch Ramsay
said “We wanted to create an event with a difference ~ something that would
excite whisky aficionados but also attract new drinkers’. And it certainly did
that! Once again, in inventive and innovative ways, exhibitors at The Stramash
brought the wonderful, indeed rapidly developing world of whisky, to experts
and beginners alike.

There was a massive array of dream-drams on display and on offer
for sampling! Harviestoun Brewery in celebrating its 30th Birthday,
revealed its latest high strength brews, some matured in ex-whisky casks.

There were a number of interactive experiences. As well as an
attractive but ‘static’ stand The Glenfiddich set up a replica Warehouse 47. Guided
through this virtual-reality whisky experience by Glenfiddich UK Ambassador,
Jamie Milne visitors to the event could imagine they had been transported to a
distillery. A very real part of the experience, however, was when Big Jake ~ a
master cooper of 29 years, based at Wm Grant’s Girvan plant, started hammering
hard the hoops of a cask he had partially dismantled to rebuild for Stramash
guests.

Meanwhile Burns Stewart distillers, took guests back in time
with a Deanston Distillery vintage photo wall, dressing the visitors as
distillery workers from bygone days, before their being brought forward to
sample some exquisite 20th/21st Century expressions.

Douglas Laing and his pal Big Peat were there also, wooing
visitors with smokey drams and tasty chocolate mousse laced with some of Big
Peat’s own make.

The ‘Spirit
of the Spey’ canoe/whisky stand was sandwiched between the two latter distillers
of distinction ~ Douglas Laing and Burns Stewart. With two 4-hour sessions on
Saturday and another from 1pm till 4pm on Sunday our exhibit went like a fair.
Once the doors opened to the public we were inundated with folks with a thirst
to know more about whisky and also to learn of canoe journeys on the majestic
River Spey ~ 1-Day Coaching tips to 5 day canoe/whisky journeys, with
distillery visit and whisky tastings, staying en route in lovely hotels.

Malts we
had on offer for visitors to sample at the ‘Spirit of the Spey’ stand, included
~ the new, highly acclaimed Balvenie
Doublewood 17yo; the very fine 15yo Glenfiddich
Distillery Edition ~ non-chill filtered and bottled at 51% proof. However,
most popular from our selection by a long–shot was the Balvenie Caribbean Cask ~ 14 years in a first-fill bourbon cask and
finished in a virgin European oak, which David Stewart, malt-master
extraordinaire, has previously carefully seasoned for 4 years with 3 selected
Caribbean rums. Introduced to the Balvenie core range and launched to the world
during a journalist canoe trip on the Spey in September 2012, this exquisite
expression, smooth on the palate, bursting with exotic fruits and warm,
lingering after-taste will, I confidently predict, become one of the most
highly acclaimed off-the-shelf malts in the entire history of Wm Grant &
Sons whisky-making.

The Edinburgh Whisky Stramash 2013 was a great, energy filled event
filled with fun and friendship and a lot of great whiskies to be sampled and
savoured. Well done to organisers, especially Darroch and Scott, Many thanks to
them for their help but also colleagues from within the whisky industry who
supported me with advice and stock for this most excellent event. Special
thanks go too to my two great pals, Willie and Nick who gave up their entire
weekend to work tirelessly on my busy ‘Spirit
of the Spey’ stand. I couldn’t have done it without you guys!

1 comment:

Scott Martin who co-founded the event along with Darroch Ramsay said “We wanted to create an event with a difference ~ something that would excite whisky aficionados but also attract new drinkers’. And it certainly did that!

Dave Craig

About Me

I have over thirty-five years of teaching, instructing and coaching many outdoor activities to people of all ages and capabilities has afforded me the opportunity to explore and practice innovative approaches to learning.
It is my belief that such tried and tested versatility in approach allows those in my charge to enjoy a wholesome and complete experience.
Choosing to have an integrated approach facilitates delivery of holistic experience for the individual. This is particularly the case during River Spey Expeditions and in Snowsport activities when clients fully appreciate this eclectic approach.
I would be happy to speak to individuals and corporate organisations looking for team building expeditions.

The ideal canoeing experience with a twist of Scottish warmth and tranquility

Paddle an open-canoe for between 50 and 70 miles on The River Spey, Scotland's most beautiful and ideal canoe-touring river. Finish your journey at the rollers of Spey Bay where the fresh of the river meets the salt of sea.

Spirit of the Spey Website

The Spirit of the Spey Experience

Blending open-canoe journeys with exclusive malt-whisky tasting & distillery visits along Scotland's majestic River Spey. Led by the Spey's most experienced river guide. Be at one with nature whist embracing Scotland's history & culture. High standard of meals & accommodation provided throughout.

Balvenie Whisky Tasting

View Dave Craig's LinkedIn Profile

Facebook Page

Spirit of the Spey Flickr Photo Gallery

Follow by Email

Blog Listing

Featured in Cairngorms National Park Website

Outwardly Mobile First Aid

HSE Approved first aid training organisation.Experienced first aid trainers who all have a background in education / teaching.1, 2 and 3 day courses available incl. First Aid at WorkCompetitive rates for quality courses that include manuals, theory, practice and scenarios.Practical, hands-on, fun programmes - tailored to meet your first aid training requirements.